Buffalo Bills News - July 14, 2004

Bills Offense Ready for New Scheme [5:38 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'"I think this offense is going to be easier for me from a decision making stand point," he said. "We're not going to ask our receivers to make as many decisions. Hopefully I'll have the opportunity to get the ball out of my hands quicker this year, which is really what we are trying to do so I can avoid some of the hits and negative plays that happened last year."'

July 13, 2004

Summer position battles: AFC East [10:05 PM]CBS Sportsline reports:
Lee Evans vs. Josh Reed
Edge: Reed. He knows the offense and knows how to get open.
Opening-day starter: Evans. You can't keep speed like he has on the bench, especially with Drew Bledsoe chucking it around.

Brown, Losman Compete to Backup Bledsoe [5:20 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'"He's obviously got a very strong arm, and he's learning," Bledsoe said of Losman. "When you come in as a quarterback, as a rookie, there's a whole ton to learn and he's making progress. He's working hard and he's made a lot of strides in the last few weeks."'

Buffalo holds off on Bryant [5:45 AM]Albany Times Union reports:
'"The feedback I got from (the Bills) was that he performed very well," Rickert said. "Athletically and arm strength-wise, he's as good as some of the QBs they have on their roster. Having said that, they're not in position to make a move."'

July 12, 2004

Bills doomed by schedule [10:12 PM]Covers.com reports:
'The Bills just don’t make enough big plays. They had only 18 takeaways last year and just 19 takeaways in 2002. It would make it a lot easier for Bledsoe to be able to start from good field position for a change.'

Bills won't sign Conquest QB [10:11 PM]Capital News 9 reports:
'The Bills liked what they saw -- they just don't have the room. They have Bryant on a short list of considerations in case they have an injury at the quarterback position.'

Bills Head to Camp with New Head Coach [5:37 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'"I have been doing everything I can to make sure this team is ready for training camp," Mularkey said. "I am working with just as many non-football issues as I am with football. It's a change but I can handle it."'

It’s nearly ticket time for the Bills [12:57 PM]Olean Times Herald reports:
'However, there is an important date for Bills’ fans. Saturday marks the first time they can buy individual tickets for games at “The Ralph.” They’re available beginning at 9 a.m.. online at www.buffalobills.com, by calling 1-877-BBTICKS, or by visiting the Ralph Wilson Stadium ticket office or participating Tops Friendly Markets.'

Buffalobills.com Needs Your Help [12:56 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'We are looking for fans to submit a title for this new program. If your title is selected, you will win a 2004 Buffalo Bills Official Team Yearbook and a Lawyer Milloy autographed mini-helmet. The winning entry could be the title of this program for years to come so don't miss out on your chance to have your named stamped in the Bills history book.'

I'm not drunk, I'm a fan [7:47 AM]Business First of Buffalo reports:
"We do feel there are problems that can be solved without resulting in an ejection," a story in the Buffalo News quoted Donohoe as saying. We don't know what Donohoe has in mind for the troublemakers if he's not going to eject them. Perhaps large quanties of black coffee?

Inside slant [4:40 AM]CBS Sportsline reports:
'Mularkey will keep alive a tradition begun by Williams - night practices. He has scheduled two, allowing fans the chance to come out to practice after work.'

Notes, quotes, anecdotes [4:38 AM]CBS Sportsline reports:
'"No. 1, I can raise my hand every time he starts to screw up like I did 20 years ago and tell him, 'Nope, it won't work.' One thing I don't want to do, though, is be the guy who is constantly running down the hall and telling him what to do. When he wants a sounding board, I can be that and in the heat of everything, it is nice to have someone to observe and to remind him of some things he needs to do." - Bills QB coach Sam Wyche, the popular ex-Bengals head coach, describing his role on Mike Mularkey's staff.'

July 10, 2004

Bills Team Report [8:29 PM]The Sporting News reports:
'First-round pick J.P. Losman showed impressive arm strength and mobility during minicamps, but he must learn how to read defenses and make proper decisions before he is ready to start. The team sees his abundant confidence as a virtue. Travis Brown made a positive impression with his minicamp performance. He throws hard and is mobile. Brown would play if Bledsoe gets injured, but Losman figures to get most of the second-team snaps.'

LaCarte's lost love [5:56 AM]Monesson Valley Independent reports:
'At a Bills' tryout in Mid-May, LaCarte's speed was among the best during running and agility drills. But, while LaCarte refused to wait by the phone, the Bills did not come calling. "The problem was my size, not my ability," LaCarte said. "I think they just wanted someone around 300-plus pounds and I just can't carry that kind of weight."'

From worker to co-chairman [5:55 AM]Pittsbuirg Morning Sun reports:
'Moorman, who lives in Ponte Vidra, Fla., in the offseason, has started the Brian Moorman PUNT Foundation to benefit pediatric cancer research and children facing cancer treatments. PUNT stands for purpose, understanding, 'ncouragement and triumph. "We started it last year, and we're trying to expand on it this year,'' Moorman said. "We're trying to put some events together in Buffalo."'

July 9, 2004

2004-05 Buffalo Bills Student Leaders [1:17 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
'As a part of the program, Bills General Manager Tom Donahoe will be hosting monthly meetings with the selected students. They will go behind the scenes of the Buffalo Bills where they will learn about a variety of careers and meet professionals within the organization and community. The Student Leaders will also have the opportunity to attend Bills games, volunteer at community events, assist various Bills departments during select home games and serve as Bills ambassadors to their school.'

July 8, 2004

It's no Mularkey [9:01 PM]AskTheCommish.com reports:
'Sometimes it seems as though those of us in the media (as well as fans) have a rather short memory, doesn’t it? After all, not even twelve months ago we were all anointing Donahoe as the NFL Executive of the Year, based on the moves he made in the off season. But, after the disatrous 2003 season, he hardly looks like such an untouchable decision maker – and his future in Buffalo will be directly linked to the decision he made in naming Mike Mularkey as Gregg Williams’ successor.'

Koons eager to start over with Bills in NFL [8:59 PM]Columbus This Week reports:
'Koons was a Cincinnati Bengals fan while growing up, and the Bills have hired former Cincinnati coach Sam Wyche as quarterback coach. Koons said he always had a soft spot for the Bills, too, but playing professional football is the primary goal.'

Gray preparing to guide Buffalo's defense [8:57 PM]Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reports:
'"My responsibility is to try and get us to the Super Bowl," Gray said. "If you go in with an attitude less than that then you don't have the right focus. We have a team, we have the players. We just have to put it together."'

Brandt's 60-second previews: AFC [5:43 PM]NFL.com reports:
Three new coaches decorate the Bills as they head into 2004. Their new HC is former Steelers OC Mike Mularkey, and the new OC is Tom Clements, also from Pittsburgh.

But the addition of veteran coach Sam Wyche as QB coach could be the key to this team. Wyche is an innovative and creative coach who will serve as a guide to starter Drew Bledsoe and mentor to rookie J.P. Losman. In fact, Losman will eventually be the Bills' QB, but knowing Wyche, we may see him get some time in short-yardage situations since Losman is a bigger version of the Steelers' Antwaan Randle El.

Fellow rookie Lee Evans was another good draft pick for the Bills as the most experienced receiver in the draft (he spent six years at Wisconsin). That should help a team that finished 30th overall in total offense score some points. If Mularkey wants to see his team improve, the offense has to get back on track. If they do, this will be an interesting team to watch.

July 7, 2004

Bryant to get NFL tryout [8:40 AM]Albany Times Union reports:
'"If they're interested, they may sign him," Conquest coach Rick Buffington said Tuesday at a media luncheon. "He could get as far as the practice squad. They make good money right now."'

Albany Conquest QB D. Bryant to tryout with Buffalo Bills on Thursday [8:39 AM]AlbanyConquest.com reports:
'"This is tremendous opportunity for D. and he certainly deserves it," said Albany Conquest Head Coach Rick Buffington. "If Buffalo likes what they see they could sign him in the near future. D. will fly out from Buffalo to Green Bay to play in our game on Friday night against the Blizzard. He will not miss any practices this week since Thursday is a travel day for us."'

July 6, 2004

Offseason Overview: Buffalo Bills [10:50 AM]ESPN reports:
There's no question that the Bills have all the pieces to have a potent, high-scoring offense. The key will be giving Bledsoe the time he needs to make his reads down the field. With all the weapons Mularkey has at his disposal, it's tough to imagine the Bills struggling on offense the way they did last season.

On the other side of the ball, status quo wouldn't be the worst thing to happen to a team that ranked second in the league in total defense. But there's a fine line between status quo and complacency and the Bills would be wise to toe it carefully.

If Mularkey is able to get the new additions to jell and work out some chemistry puzzles (i.e. Henry and McGahee), there should be plenty of cheers from Ralph Wilson and the patrons of his stadium.

Cell Phones For Soldiers [10:15 AM]CBS reports:
Within two months, Brittany and Robbie have organized fundraisers to purchase old cell phones and prepaid calling cards. They have raised more than $130,000 through these events and their Web site, Cell Phones For Soldiers.

Their efforts have been acknowledged by the White House, members of the military, and Jim Kelly, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. Kelly has also signed on as their celebrity spokesperson.

A good deed, a great ride [10:14 AM]Syracuse Post Standard reports:
The Bergquist siblings have been collecting a lot of stuff lately. Like e-mails from grateful soldiers in Iraq and their mothers, wives and fathers in the States; $500 donations from TV stars; backing from former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly; and lots of thank-yous from people all over the country.

July 5, 2004

Not a bunch of Mularkey [9:17 PM]The Sporting News reports:
'As long as Eric Moulds stays healthy and Drew Bledsoe stays off his backside, this team will have a chance to post its first winning record in five years.'

Inside slant [5:50 AM]CBS Sportsline reports:
'The Bills have the added challenge of signing two first-round draft picks this year and with training camp opening in less than a month, the clock is ticking on getting wide receiver Lee Evans and quarterback J.P. Losman into the fold.'

Strategy and personnel [5:49 AM]CBS Sportsline reports:
'Furthermore, with no CBA extension, new contracts can only be factored out over six years - that's if Donahoe were to get one done in 2004. Deals written next year will be under even tighter constraints, meaning Donahoe may not have the leverage it appears he has by suspending talks until further notice. One agent said Donahoe's fax was merely more posturing and he won't be bullied into a premature, under-market deal.'